Government shut down and camping

[scrubjaysnest-TMO]

We had planned on spending Thanksgiving with our daughter in the Everglades but that camping trip is now on hold because of the government shut down.
As an oh by the way with all government lands closed for all recreation this impacts people that have summer cabins on government lands, hunters, and leaf peepers.

It may also mean we can't get to our house in the Ocala NF since we have to cross government land to get to our land and house. We shall see later on today.

Has this shut down had an impact on your fall camping plans?

 

[Redtail cruiser]

I heard a news story that said that even though the national parks are closed, the roads used for access thru the parks and lands would remain open.

Fortunately for us, all of our fall camping is in state parks.

 

[rumbleweed]

Interesting that there is no money to operate the parks, but there is money to pay staff to insure you don't use them???

 

[TravlinOn]

The problem of shutdown might extend even to those who plan to camp near a national park and view from the road. The link below speaks of "overlooks" on roads leading to Mt Rushmore being blocked to viewers ( :new_cussi ).

There are lots of "overlooks" near favorite places like the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smokies and probably others near parks in the Rockies that might be blocked off - I don't know. Anyone planning to go any possibly affected area should check the local papers in the campsite area for any restricted areas caused the shutdown.

http://www.argusleader.com/article/20131005/NEWS/310050021/Mount-Rushmore-blockage-stirs-anger-South-Dakota

 

[fourteener-TMO]

I'm an employee of one of the Federal land management agencies (The NPS - please don't hate me), but take a moment and think of it from our stand point. We don't know when we can go back to work, we don't know when our next paychecks will come in,,,,,I just had to cancel a site-visit that will have a 6-8 month realized delay on the specific park involved. Overall our jobs are very reliable, even in these hard times. I really feel sorry for our seasonal staff that is being let go early due to the unknown. I apologize for everyone that is being affected, but take a moment and think about it as a business that has shut its doors. Lots of people don't understand why some of the Parks can't remain open, and that is because most people don't fully understand the level of vandalism, the number of accidents/rescues/fatalities, or what most of us simply do on a day-to-day basis to fulfill our duties. I would make a bet that the majority of Federal Employees are compassionate, motivated, and somewhat ticked off about this shutdown. We really only want to get back to work to serve you,,,,,the American People. I love this Country, my job, and if we were allowed, I would be working during this shutdown for free.

Please, feel free to take a moment and put something in writing to your representatives about the way this has affected you. I think it is totally irresponsible the way this has been handled, and I won't make any excuses for either side of the table.

Again, I apologize on behalf of all federal employees, and for those of you that have been affected.

Above all, take a lesson from those WW II Vets that broke down the barricade in DC, be stubborn tough Americans, and get out there and enjoy the outdoors.

 

[clown9644]

It certainly isn't the fault of the rangers and other federal employees. It can only rest on the shoulders of one man who refuses to negotiate in this or any other item that he sets his mind to. Are we starting to really really really miss Bush yet.

 

[Bill]

Fourteener -

I cannot imagine why you would be apologizing for the idiocies going on in Washington. The instructions to "make life as difficult as possible for people", as relayed by a park ranger, can certainly not be blamed on the ranger - or you.

Bill

 

[TrailManorMan]

Vote wisely and insist on term limits for the house and senate ......

 

[kempert]

To TrailManorMan:

AMEN!!!

 

[Michoshisho]

Just to clarify...the Park Rangers and the rest of us federal workers who still have to show up for work every day during the shutdown ARE NOT getting paid. Yes, we are working for free, and all leave (including sick leave) is cancelled. We don't know when our next paycheck is coming either. I am looking at changing this weekend's camping plans since I can't take Friday off.

 

[TrailManorMan]

representatives and senators get paid, TERM LIMITS :new_Eyecr:new_Eyecr

 

[Kidkraz]

Fourteener,

As Bill said it's not your fault and you should not apologize for doing it. I'm retired military and understand where you're coming from. I appreciate how difficult your profession can be and I thank you for doing it. Because of you and your fellow federal workers I get to enjoy my countries best parks, monuments and people who maintain them. Thank you for doing what you do.

 

[B_and_D]

Please, feel free to take a moment and put something in writing to your representatives about the way this has affected you. I think it is totally irresponsible the way this has been handled, and I won't make any excuses for either side of the table.

Nice idea, but when I contact my representative they write back and tell me that they know more than I do and that's why they're doing what they do. They don't care what we think. Total arrogance.

I have never once voted for them and they keep getting re-elected.

I'm sorry that you aren't getting paid, hopefully something will change for the better soon.

 

[scrubjaysnest-TMO]

I'm an employee of one of the Federal land management agencies (The NPS - please don't hate me), but take a moment and think of it from our stand point. We don't know when we can go back to work, we don't know when our next paychecks will come in,,,,,I just had to cancel a site-visit that will have a 6-8 month realized delay on the specific park involved. Overall our jobs are very reliable, even in these hard times. I really feel sorry for our seasonal staff that is being let go early due to the unknown. I apologize for everyone that is being affected, but take a moment and think about it as a business that has shut its doors. Lots of people don't understand why some of the Parks can't remain open, and that is because most people don't fully understand the level of vandalism, the number of accidents/rescues/fatalities, or what most of us simply do on a day-to-day basis to fulfill our duties. I would make a bet that the majority of Federal Employees are compassionate, motivated, and somewhat ticked off about this shutdown. We really only want to get back to work to serve you,,,,,the American People. I love this Country, my job, and if we were allowed, I would be working during this shutdown for free.

Please, feel free to take a moment and put something in writing to your representatives about the way this has affected you. I think it is totally irresponsible the way this has been handled, and I won't make any excuses for either side of the table.

Again, I apologize on behalf of all federal employees, and for those of you that have been affected.

Above all, take a lesson from those WW II Vets that broke down the barricade in DC, be stubborn tough Americans, and get out there and enjoy the outdoors.

As others have said this isn't your fault or the fault of other federal workers......it is the fault of the children in the congress and most likely lack of leadership in the white house.


The political side of it is our fault when we let the RNC and DNC take our votes away in 2008 by not pursuing legal action with more vigor.

I started this thread to see how the shut down impacted forum members camping plans and would like to keep it along those lines.

 

[rumbleweed]

It is a shame the people can't enjoy their National Parks and that Park Rangers have to apologize for the shut down and or work without pay when ALL the blame lies in Washington. I am certain that the shutdown has not impacted the day-to-day privileged lives our politicians enjoy. Hopefully people will not have short term memories this time.

 

[scrubjaysnest-TMO]

Fwiw

All Fl state parks south of I- 4 are booked for the week Thanksgiving.

150 fishing guides had boat protest just outside of Everglades NP waters. The protest is aimed the congress. One guide says he lost $10,000 in guide fees.
Another business just outside the gates claims to be losing $2,500 a day for bus tours of the park that have been canceled.

 

[scrubjaysnest-TMO]

another FWIW

Some states have requested to pay for reopening NP, Utah's are supposed to open tomorrow after the White House said it is ok for those states willing to foot the bill. I think the figure I saw was the park service is losing $475,000 per day from lost entrance fees and camping fees. Nothing about Fl yet but then our governor wanted to shut down Fl state parks awhile back.

 

[TravlinOn]

I guess that for many in the US population, the "shutdown of parks" issue is not something to think much about, but there are always "collateral damages" caused by any gov action which can put businesses and individuals in jeopardy.

Below is a link to a blog that is written by a business owner/operator whose company owns, operates, and manages various US Park campgrounds and services in the western US. His personal political opinions might reflect that of any Arizona "conservative", but his problems, which are directly caused by the "shutdown" are his actual situation and gives another side to the story.

http://www.coyoteblog.com/coyote_blog/category/2013-shutdown

 

[scrubjaysnest-TMO]

I guess that for many in the US population, the "shutdown of parks" issue is not something to think much about, but there are always "collateral damages" caused by any gov action which can put businesses and individuals in jeopardy.

Below is a link to a blog that is written by a business owner/operator whose company owns, operates, and manages various US Park campgrounds and services in the western US. His personal political opinions might reflect that of any Arizona "conservative", but his problems, which are directly caused by the "shutdown" are his actual situation and gives another side to the story.

http://www.coyoteblog.com/coyote_blog/category/2013-shutdown

An interesting perspective but the writer doesn't have it quite correct. According to the DOI site, the NPS, ACOE, and USFS all receration is prohibited during the government shut down. No camping, no hunting, no hiking, and the list goes on. On the Ocala NF all campgrounds are closed both USFS run and concessionaire run. The concessionaire run boat ramp is closed also. We also found all trail heads with restrooms had the restrooms locked and signs up.

Of course there will be people doing the recreation thing anyways.

As for special use permits the writer is correct; they can be suspended or revoked at any time for what ever reason the USFS decides on.

 

[LoveToCamp-TMO]

Thanks for the link! I have sent emails to my representatives. Washington is being illogical in their choices for shutdowns. But, what else would we expect?